To ensure safety as well as quality, childrens jewelry is best made from natural materials and pure metal alloys. Sterling silver and gold alloys that are14K or higher are excellent choices.
Fittings should be smooth to the touch and fit securely. Jewelry elements for children, especially young children, should not hang loose or protrude. Long necklaces or dangly pieces are not safe. Also, small charms or beads may pose a chocking hazard to smaller children and should be well secured or avoided altogether.
When shopping, examine the piece closely. Look to see that craftsmanship is smooth and even, and that clasps are secure and close tightly. If there is enameling, be sure the enamel coating is well applied, evenly coated, and not scraped or chipped. It should have a rich, lustrous appearance and feel smooth and glossy to the touch. Finally, a jewelry piece’s country of origin may sometimes give you a clue as to the piece’s overall integrity.
Children’s Jewelry Can Last a Lifetime or Remain a Sentimental Reminder
If longevity is an issue, look for jewelry that may grow with a child. Gemstone or pearl stud earrings may be worn forever. Moreover, gems may be reset into other jewelry. A necklace with pendant or locket may be swapped-out later for a longer length necklace, or a pendant may be added to a larger scale charm bracelet. Cable charms and beads may be moved to longer length cables or chains.
Still, longevity isn’t always a factor. After all, there is something wonderfully sweet and nostalgic about saving a long-outgrown, personally engraved, tiny bangle bracelet that baby wore decades ago.
Following are some jewelry ideas for kids. Some sizing suggestions are made to give an idea of what may actually be available for purchase, as well as an indication regarding what may fit children of certain ages. Also, popular kid designs include butterflies, ladybugs, hearts, peace signs, dragonflies, moons and stars, kitties, teddy bears, scottie dogs, or flowers, to name a few.
Jewelry Idea for Baby Gift
- 14K gold 1.75” bangle bracelet. Add custom engraving to commemorate a special occasion. This is one of those precious pieces that can’t be worn forever, however, the very nature of its diminutive size and scale ensures that it will be kept and cherished forever.
Toddler Jewelry Suggestions
- Jingle bell bracelet. In addition to the enjoyable sound of jingling bells, this is a wonderful piece for a child on-the-move. Chiming bells stationed around a 4.75” bracelet sound-off as the child moves, letting you know where your toddler is before he/she disappears around the corner.
- Sterling silver or sterling silver and enamel cable- or pandora-style bracelet with beads. Themed and lettered bead designs are plentiful and make it fun to design a one-of-a-kind bracelet.
- Native American hand-carved charm on leather bracelet. Simple, and adored by kids, these handmade pieces made from various natural materials, including quartz, lapis, turquoise, and coral, are filled with history and symbolism.
Jewelry for a Child
- Pink cultured pearl necklace (13”), bracelet (5.5”), or earrings (4mm). Of course, little pearl jewelry is available in classic white and other colors. Also, freshwater pearls make a perfectly-sized and pretty choice. Purchase one, two, or all three pieces for a special occasion suite. Later, bracelet and necklace may be restrung together making an adult-sized necklace. A clasp or necklace enhancer could be added to commemorate a special occasion, like a sweet sixteen birthday.
- Stud earrings. “Buttercup” style 14K gold post settings with precious or semiprecious gemstones make sweet, youthful-looking jewelry. Or, enamel over 14K gold or sterling silver offers a more casual style.
- Simple and elegant14K gold ball earrings. This is a timeless earring option.
- Small, 14K hoop huggy-style earrings. Huggies may be plain gold or feature bezel- or gypsy-set gemstones.
- A locket on 13” chain. This is a classic, everlasting gift. Add an engraving, sentimental message, photo inside the locket, or all three.
- Initial, monogram, or name pendant. For a young child around strangers, an initial or monogram pendant may be safer choices rather than “advertising” a child’s name.
- Themed14K and enamel pendant on 14K chain. Just like enameled earrings, themed pendants are youthful and fun.
- Gold, sterling silver, or gold and sterling 4.25” to 6” (5.25” average size) bangle or cuff bracelet. Bangle or cuff may feature an oval plaque for engravings. Add an engraved message or initials to the bangle or plaque.
- Linked gold or sterling 5.75” ID bracelet. This style features large links with a plaque for a special engraving.
- 14K yellow heart, portrait, or other charm bracelet. A classic piece that may be added to later. Perfect for engraving.
- Bead bracelet with sterling silver, gold or glass beads. Another classic, however, be sure it is well made to avoid breakage and lost beads.
- Cable- or Pandora-style bracelet with charms or beads. See description under Toddler Jewelry Suggestions.
- Native American carved charm or bead pendant on leather or silk cord. Again, see description under Toddler Jewelry Suggestions.
Ageless and elegant teen jewelry gifts include pearls, designer pieces, charm bracelets and more.
Claire Eddins - Writer/editor, award-winning photographer Claire Eddins collects gems, horses, and obsesses over home, art, and design.
